The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces rammed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Zababdeh. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and stone walls, sealed a water well, and uprooted some 250 olive tree saplings in al-Mughayyir, demolished 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Ilyas, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issued demolition notices for 1 house in Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Bayt Rima, Beit Fajjar, Nablus, Deir al-Hatab, Tulkarm, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 2/16)

Israel returned the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in August 2020 and February 2021 to their families in East Jerusalem and Hebron. (WAFA 1/4; MEMO 1/6)

Axios reported that Morocco is demanding that Israel formally recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara before the country opens an embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (AX 1/4; AJ, MEMO 1/5)

Referring to the evacuated Homesh settlement outpost, U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. call on the Israeli government “to refrain from unilateral steps certainly includes any decision to create a new settlement, to legalize outposts or allowing building of any kind deep in the West Bank, adjacent to Palestinian communities or on private Palestinian land.” (HA, MEMO 1/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 1 car and threw stones at homes in ‘Urif. Israeli settlers also attempted to set fire to a car near Burin. Unidentified gunmen also opened fire at a vehicle near the Havat Gilad settlement outpost, no injuries were reported. Israeli forces assaulted 2 Palestinians and violently dispersed protesters in Husan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car repair shop in Hebron and 1 house in al-Khader. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, Jalazun refugee camp, Kobar, Hebron, and Idhna. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in Sur Baher. (HA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper-spray near Huwwara. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Salem during an arrest raid, causing tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure near Ya‘bad and assaulted the owner who tried to prevent the demolition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Ein al-Balad. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Biddu, Hebron, Dura, Sa‘ir, Zawata, Nablus, Rujeib, Beita, Tulkarm, Nur Shams refugee camp, Qalqilya, Kafr Ra’i, and Tura. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 72% of the 1,200 Palestinians surveyed in the West Bank and Gaza supported forming armed resistance groups in the West Bank. 32% of the respondents supported a diplomatic solution to the occupation, based on the 2-state framework. (HA 12/15)

Turkish media reported that 7 people in Turkey had been arrested by Turkish police in coordination with the National Intelligence Organization for spying on Palestinians in the country on behalf of the Mossad. (HA, MEE 12/14)

In Lebanon, 1 Irish UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldier was killed and another injured during a routine patrol in al-Aqbieh in southern Lebanon. It was reported that UNIFIL vehicles had hit a resident of the town before the convoy was hit by small arms fire. Hezbollah said it was not involved in the incident. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, REU 12/15; AP 12/18; AP 12/21)

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution, “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,” calling on Israel to end its exploitation of the natural resources of the lands it occupies. The resolution passed with 159 votes in favor, 8 against, and 10 abstentions. (UN 12/14; MEMO, WAFA 12/15)

The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for an international conference to facilitate a 2-state solution to the Israeli occupation. The PA expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution not calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine, labeling of settlement products, and accountability for Israeli crimes against Palestinians. (WAFA, WAFA 12/15)

Norway donated $15 million through the World Bank Trust Fund to the Palestinian Umbrella for Resilience Support to the Economy in support of PA transparency, inclusivity, and the economy. (WAFA 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli forces; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians seeking to enter Israel through the separation wall near ‘Anin, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and arrested 1 Palestinian man who had entered a checkpoint at Ben Gurion International Airport. Israeli police said that the man had taken a wrong turn from the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway and did not intend to carry out an attack. Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli inaction in addressing gun violence in Taybeh. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; WAFA, WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/8; UNOCHA 12/16)

Israel started dismantling the Karni crossing east of Gaza City to extend the Gaza Fence. The Karni crossing, for movement of commercial goods, was closed by Israel in 2007. (MEMO 12/5; AP 12/6)

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party and the Religious Zionism Party agreed to change the procedure for how the coordinator of the activities in the territories and the head of the Civil Administration are appointed. The 2 positions will in the next government be filled by Israeli politicians rather than by the military chief of staff and defense ministry. Outgoing Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid condemned the agreement. (HA 12/4; HA 12/5)

Speaking at the J Street conference in Washington D.C., U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said that the U.S. expects to work with the next Israeli government in the same manner it has with previous governments, but warned about potential threats to the 2-state solution, including settlement expansion, annexation, and changes to the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. Secretary Blinken also noted that Israelis and Palestinians “do not enjoy equal measures of freedom,” which he said they are entitled to. (AJ, AP, F24, HA, REU, WAFA 12/4)

In the West Bank, armed Palestinians kidnapped 1 Druze citizen of Israel from a hospital in Jenin where he was admitted after suffering life threating injuries in a car accident. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders against 8 houses in Qarawat Bani Hassan. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Balata refugee camp, Silwad, Burqa, Jenin, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith. Governor Ghaith was placed under house arrest on 8/4. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/22; HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, 11/23; AJ, HA, PCHR 11/24; MDW 11/25; UNOCHA 12/16)

The Biden administration appointed deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli-Palestinian affairs Hady Amr to the newly created position of U.S. representative for Palestinian affairs. (AX 11/22; MEE 11/23; MEMO 11/24)

The UN Conference on Trade and Development released a report estimating that the Palestinian economy was deprived of $50 billion between 2000 and 2020 due to Israeli restrictions on Area C. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians with pepper spray in Hebron. 1 Israeli settler also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man near the Adora settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked roads near al-Twana. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing damage. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for a school under construction in the al-Saffi community in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car repair shop in Nabi Ilyas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Jalbun, Nazlet Zeid, Tulkarm, Yatta, and Asira ash-Shamaliya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed in a fire in the Jabalia refugee camp. The PA called on Israel to open its crossings to Gaza to allow the injured to receive treatment in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which Israel subsequently said it had done. The preliminary investigation suggested that the fire escalated quickly due to a large amount of gasoline stored in the house. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ, MEMO, MEMO, REU 11/18; MDW, MEE 11/19; AP 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides visited the Kiryat Netafim settlement. Ambassador Nides said he visited the settlement to offer condolences to the family of an Israeli settler who was stabbed to death on 11/15 in the Ariel settlement, allegedly by a Palestinian. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who accompanied Nides, told Nides that “we will build Samaria [the West Bank]. We are believers, and we know that this is our land.” (HA 11/17)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Palestinian-Israeli affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. (WAFA 11/17)

Israel and Jordan signed an agreement to rehabilitate the southern part of the Jordan River. (HA, MEMO 11/17; ALM 11/18)

The UN social, humanitarian, and cultural issues committee adopted a draft resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 167 counties voted in favor, 5 against, and 7 abstained. (WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 10 Palestinian vehicles in a car park in Hebron, smashing windows, and opened fire at Palestinian homes, causing damage. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles near Burin. Israeli forces shot killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly rammed his car into 5 Israeli soldiers at the Nabi Musa and Almog junctions south of Jericho. Israeli forces also took measurements for a punitive demolition in Hebron of the family home of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 10/29 who was accused of killing 1 Israeli settler. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 minor with a baton round. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with a baton round and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA 10/29; AP, HA, JP, MEMO, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; HA, WAFA 10/31; UNOCHA 11/1; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel announced that it will close crossings into the West Bank and Gaza for Palestinians from the night of 10/31 to the night of 11/1 for the Israeli elections. (HA, TOI 10/30)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun retired from his position as president of Lebanon, leaving the position vacant as the Lebanese parliament has not been able to appoint his successor. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians in Kafr ad-Dik, causing hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara. Israeli forces handed temporary eviction notices to 2 Palestinian families, ordering them to leave their land for 3 days from 11/1 and for 10 hours on 11/9 while Israeli forces conducted military drills in Khirbet Humsa. Israeli forces also handed punitive demolition notices in Kafr Dan to 2 families who are relatives of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 9/14. 37 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Abud, ‘Anata, Biddu, Dheisheh refugee camp, Beit Umar, Surif, Iraq al-Tayeh, Nablus, al-Yamun, Jenin, al-Jiftlik, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Tur, demanding the release of the body of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 9/22. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Hanina and Jabel Mukaber. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; MEMO 10/28; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel said it had eased the collective punishment restrictions imposed on Nablus and that it will remove some of the checkpoints that were set up 2 weeks ago. (HA 10/28)

Lebanon and Israel officially signed their maritime border demarcation agreement. Lebanese president Michel Aoun and Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah both praised the agreement, saying that it does not signify a move towards normalization with Israel. The agreement provides Lebanon with the vast majority of potential profits from the Qana gas field and Israel all the profits from the Karish gas field. Energean, the company licensed to operate the Karish gas field, said it began production at Karish on 10/26. (AJ, HA, REU 10/26; AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/27)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz met with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and defense minister Hulusi Akar in Ankara. Defense Minister Gantz said that the 2 sides had decided to resume defense cooperation. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/27)

20 Democratic members of the U.S. house of representatives signed a letter, circulated by representative Don Beyer (D-VA), to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken saying that Israel should not be included in the U.S. visa waiver program due to its ethic discrimination and racial profiling. (HA 10/28; MEE 10/31)

In the West Bank, Palestinian militant factions protested PA cooperation with Israel by burning tires and throwing stones at PA security forces in Nablus and Jenin. In Nablus, 1 Palestinian was killed and 2 were injured during the unrest; the PA claimed it was not present during the killing of the man, who was said to be a bystander. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a funeral procession in Beit Umar; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians protesting a raid in Rumana, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian NGO worker, detained others, and seized 1 vehicle while the workers were doing maintenance work on solar panels in Wadi al-Faw. Israeli forces also pumped cement in 2 water wells in al-Ras and Kafr Abbush and seized a stone-cutting machine in Beit Fajjar. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu, Beit Duqqu, Bethlehem, Bayt Rima, and Deir Nidham. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian merchants at the Old City’s al-Khawajat market. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Israel, 1 elderly Israeli woman was beaten to death in Holon; the Palestinian suspect was later found hanged in Tel Aviv. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/20; GDN, HA, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 9/21; AP, HA, PCHR, TOI, TOI 9/22; MDW 9/23; ALM 9/28; UNOCHA 9/30)

1 Palestinian cancer patient died in Gaza while waiting to obtain a permit from Israel to travel to East Jerusalem for treatment. The man is the 6th Palestinian in Gaza to die of cancer this year while waiting for Israeli permission to travel for treatment. (PCHR 9/21)

A group of lawyers and rights organizations said they had referred the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh to the ICC on behalf of her family. A forensic investigation by Al Haq and Forensic Architecture also found that Israeli soldiers deliberately targeted Shireen Abu Akleh when she was shot on 5/11/22. (AHQ, AJ, FA, INT, MDW, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 9/20; GDN, MEE 9/21; HA, JP, MEMO, TOI 9/22; MEMO 9/25)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can revoke the residency permits of 17 Palestinians related to a Palestinian accused of killing 4 Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem in 2017. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked subsequently said that she would revoke the 17 Palestinian family members’ residency permits and work to deport them to the West Bank. The family lives in Jabel Mukaber in East Jerusalem. (HA 9/21; MEMO 9/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with King Abdullah II of Jordan on the sidelines of the UNGA. (MEMO, WAFA 9/21)

Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid held a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA. It was the 1st time since 2008 that an Israeli prime minister has met with the leader of Türkiye. (AX, HA 9/20; AJ, ALM, MEE, REU 9/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized an irrigation pond in Bayt Dajan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fara‘a refugee camp, claiming he threw an incendiary device at the forces during the raid. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian riding a motorbike in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished agricultural structures in ‘Anata and delivered demolition notices against a wedding hall, a ceramic shop, a factory, and 2 car repair shops in Deir Sharaf. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Kafr Ein, Dura, Hebron, Nablus, Beita, al-Fara‘a refugee camp, Ya‘bad, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

In response to U.S. requests for Israel to change its rules of engagement as a measure of accountability for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 6/11, Israel’s prime minister Yair Lapid said “no one will dictate open fire regulations to us when we are fighting for our lives.” Prime Minister Lapid further said of the killing of Abu Akleh that he would “not allow them to put an IDF soldier on trial who defended himself against fire from terrorists, just to receive a round of applause from the world.” Several independent investigations have found that no gunfire was detected around the Israeli soldiers who killed Abu Akleh. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU, TOI 9/7; HA, HA, MEMO 9/8)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settlement security vehicle was reportedly hit by 3 bullets near Deir Sharaf; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration near Tulkarm, where Palestinians protested Israeli settler attacks in the area; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 18 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Seida. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Nablus and al-Far‘a refugee camp and 1 at a flying checkpoint near ‘Azzun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of PA governor to Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith, arresting his son. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; PCHR 9/1; UNOCHA 9/2)

Deputy head of the Hamas political bureau Saleh al-Arouri met with Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhala in Beirut. (JP 8/27)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington to voice Israel’s opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. (HA 8/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 8 houses under construction in al-Dyouk al-Tahta. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Khader, al-Asakra, Tadduh, Burqa, Nablus, Zawata, and Tulkarm refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Hanina and the Old City. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; MEMO 8/23; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

25 Palestinians traveled from the West Bank to Cyprus via Ramon airport in Israel. The Israeli airport authority said the flight was not part of the postponed plan for Palestinians to be able to use the Ramon airport south of the West Bank, which was shelved earlier this month. The PA urged Palestinians not to use the Ramon airport, saying Israel should allow the PA to operate the Qalandia airport. (REU 8/22; ALM, MEMO 8/23; MEMO, REU 8/24)

Thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons began a protest against the Israel Prison Service, saying it had failed to ease punitive restrictions in the prisons. Prisoners refused to partake in security checks and prisoners will start refusing meals on 8/24. (JP 8/21; WAFA 8/22; MEMO 8/23; MEMO 8/24)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Türkiye for a 3-day visit, where he will meet with Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (MEMO, WAFA 8/21; WAFA 8/22)

The Guardian reported that a CIA study of the material provided by Israel did not amount to evidence to support Israel’s claim that 6 Palestinian rights organizations should be categorized as terrorist organizations. Israel designated the 6 rights organizations as terrorist organizations in October 2021 and raided their offices on 8/18. (GDN, TOI 8/22; MDW, MEMO, NA 8/23)

The Israeli ministry of education told the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality that they could not use maps that depicted the Green Line for educational purposes or as posters in classrooms. After the municipality defied the ministry’s guidance and hung the maps up in some 2,000 classrooms, the ministry ordered the municipality to take them down on 8/24. (HA, MEMO 8/23; HA, HA, HA 8/24; MEE 8/25)

It was reported that Iran had dropped some demands as the U.S. and Iran were getting closer to agreeing on reentering the Iran Nuclear Deal, through European intermediaries. Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz said he was opposed to the nuclear deal and would travel to the U.S. this week to “exert influence on the matter.” Among the demands reportedly dropped by Iran was for the U.S. to remove the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps from its list of terrorist organizations. (AJ, AJ, AJ, MEE, REU 8/22; HA, REU 8/23; AP, AP, AP, HA, HA 8/24)

A U.S. district judge rejected Ben & Jerry’s request to prevent its parent company Unilever from selling Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Israeli West Bank settlements. Ben & Jerry’s had sued Unilever, saying the sale of its ice cream in Israeli settlements undermined its values. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 8/22; BBC, MEE 8/23; MEMO 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Ya‘bad. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 5 Palestinians with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Balata refugee camp while securing the Joseph’s Tomb site for a settler incursion; others sustained tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 4 agricultural structures in Kafr ad-Dik and 1 agricultural structure in Bruqin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 1 mosque and 4 homes in Khashem al-Karam and seized 6 vehicles in al-Twana in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also uprooted 120 citrus and palm tree saplings and damaged water pipes in al-‘Awja. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tuqu‘, Ya‘bad, Nablus, Balata refugee camp, Kobar, Beit Sira, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in al-Thawri. (AP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; UNOCHA 8/19; UNOCHA 9/2)

Commander of the PA security forces Nidal Abu Dukhan met with Russian deputy defense minister Alexander Formin during a security conference in Moscow, discussing military and security cooperation. (REU 8/17; MEMO 8/18)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid and Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to restore full diplomatic ties during a phone call, reinstating ambassadors and consuls. Diplomatic ties between the 2 countries were severed in 2018 in the wake of the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 8/17; ALM, HA 8/18)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken asked Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz to review Israel’s rules of engagement in the West Bank as a measure of accountability in relation to Israel’s killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (AX 8/17; MEE 8/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a settlement outpost outside of the Metzad settlement near Wadi Sa‘ir. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Israeli soldier near the Separation Wall west of Tulkarm; the killing was described as “friendly fire.” Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Lid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 3 agricultural structures in Burqa, Kafr ad-Dik, and Battir, and seized water pipelines and agricultural tools in Ras al-Ahmar. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Deir Abu Mash‘al, Birzeit, Beit Fajjar, Dheisheh refugee camp, Asira ash-Shamaliya, Silat ad-Dhahr, and Zabbuba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man in Kafr ‘Aqab during a late-night house raid; eyewitnesses said the man was standing in his doorway when he was shot from close range, while Israeli police claimed that the man was attempting to stab a police officer. Israeli authorities also delivered a demolition notice for a house in Isawiya. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; ALM, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/18; UNOCHA 8/19)

An Israeli military judge rejected an appeal to release Khalil Awawdeh from administrative detention. Awawdeh, who is hospitalized in critical condition, has been on hunger strike for 155 days in protest over his administrative detention. Awawdeh’s lawyer said he would appeal the decision to the Israeli high court of justice. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/15; AJ, MEMO 8/16)

Iran responded to the EU draft text to reinstate the Iran Nuclear Deal by asking the U.S. to show flexibility on 3 issues. It was unclear what the 3 issues were, but Iran said that if the 3 issues were resolved, an agreement could be made this week. (HA 8/16; AX, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 8/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles in the Old City of Hebron, causing damage. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israeli air strikes on Gaza at the Damascus Gate plaza, assaulting several and arresting 1. In Gaza, Israel continued its assault on Gaza for the 2d day in a row, assassinating Islamic Jihad commander in southern Gaza Khaled Mansour, using fighter jets to fire 6 missiles on a 3-story building in Rafah refugee camp; 2 other members of Islamic Jihad were killed in the assassination, as were 4 others, including 1 child. 35 were injured, including 18 children. Israel further killed 7 other Palestinians in air strikes: 2 on a street in Beit Hanun; 2 riding a motorcycle in Khan Yunis; 2 near a market in Khan Yunis; and 1 while firing a mortar shell east of Jabaliya. Additionally, 7 Palestinians were killed in an explosion in Jabaliya refugee camp, including 4 children; it was unclear whether the explosion was caused by an Israeli missile or misfire of an Islamic Jihad rocket. This raises the death toll from Israel’s Operation Breaking Dawn to 31 since 8/5, including 10 children. 265, including 95 children, have been injured. The Gaza power plant stopped operations in the middle of the day due to a lack of fuel. 2 Israeli soldiers were reportedly lightly injured by a mortar shell. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AX, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/6; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 8/7; HA, UNOCHA 8/8; AHQ 8/9; PCHR, REU 8/11; HA 8/13 HA 8/16; UNOCHA 8/19; MDW 9/1)

The UNRWA closed all of its facilities, except for health services, in Gaza due to the Israeli attacks. (WAFA 8/6)

Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhala met with head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Hossein Salami in Tehran. Major-General Salami told al-Nakhala that Palestinians are not alone in their struggle against Israel. (AJ 8/6)

U.S. national security council spokesperson John Kirby said that the U.S. is working with Israeli and Palestinian partners to achieve calm in Gaza but “remain[s] unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security.” Spokesperson Kirby also said that the U.S. “absolutely fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist groups.” Secretary of defense Lloyd Austin “expressed concern regarding reports of civilian deaths and called for a timely and thorough investigation into any civilian casualties,” according to a readout of Austin’s conversation with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/6; MDW 8/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces beat 1 Palestinian man to death at the separation wall near Tulkarm after he tried to enter Israel for work. The body of the man, who was from Gaza, was returned to his family on 7/5. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians during a raid in Dura, including 5 with live ammunition and 1 with a baton round. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Abu Dis, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in Umm Qassa in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 15. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 1 3-story building in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya and assaulted the Palestinian owner trying to prevent the demolition. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for some 30 structures in Humsa al-Tahta. 19 Palestinians were arrested, including 18 during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Beitunia, Ramallah, Abu Nujaym, Dahariya, Beit Umar, al-Arroub refugee camp, Iskaka, and Nablus; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 house in Jabel Mukaber and 1 nursery in Isawiya; 2 Palestinians were arrested during the demolition in Jabel Mukaber. 6 others were arrested during raids in the Old City and Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/4; MEE, WAFA 7/5; PCHR 7/7; UNOCHA 7/22)

U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. had determined that the ballistic analysis of the bullet that killed Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was inconclusive, saying the bullet was badly damaged. The U.S. said it had “concluded that gunfire from IDF positions was likely responsible for the death” of Abu Akleh but that the U.S. “found no reason to believe that this was intentional but rather the result of tragic circumstances during an IDF-led military operation against factions of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.” Several independent investigations, eyewitnesses, and the PA have concluded that Israeli forces deliberately targeted Abu Akleh given the bullet’s trajectory where she was killed. Member of the PLO executive committee Wasel Abu Yousef accused the U.S. of protecting Israel. Secretary general of the PLO Hussein al-Sheikh said the PA rejected the U.S. findings and would seek justice at the ICC. The family of Abu Akleh expressed disbelief that the U.S. was unable to conclude with certainty Israel had killed Shireen, given the evidence available. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, DOS, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/4; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 7/5; ALM, ALM, AX, MDW, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; HA, MEE, MEE 7/7; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE, REU 7/8; WAFA 7/10; GDN 7/12)

1 Palestinian man from Gaza died after being denied cancer treatment by Israeli authorities, claiming his 2 travel permits for treatment were under security check. The man had applied to travel to Nablus for treatment on 3 occasions since April, but his applications remained pending when he passed. (PCHR 7/6)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh accused Israel of using the corpses of Palestinians killed by Israel in Israeli medical schools. (WAFA 7/4)

In the West Bank, the Shin Bet arrested 3 Palestinian relatives of the Palestinian man who was stabbed to death by an Israeli settler on 6/21 near the Ariel settlement. The 3 were also eyewitnesses to the killing and had given their testimony to Israeli police before being arrested. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians at the Taibe checkpoint near Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a baton round during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nur Shams refugee camp, Qaryut, Beit Umar, and al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Wadi al-Juz, displacing 2. 2 Fatah activists were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; HA, HA 6/27; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA, WAFA 6/26)

Israel’s economy ministry said the Israeli cabinet had approved issuing 3,500 additional permits for Palestinians to work in manufacturing and services to relieve an Israeli shortage of skilled workers. (REU 6/26)

The Wall Street Journal reported that senior Israeli military officials partook in a meeting in March this year with top officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.S., and representatives from Bahrain and the UAE in Sharm El Sheikh. At the secretive meeting, the officials were reported to have discussed efforts to combat Iranian missile and drone capabilities. The reporting comes 1 week after Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz said that Israel is working with Arab partners in what he called “Middle East Air Defense Alliance.” (HA, WSJ 6/26; HA, MEMO 6/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, spraying pepper spray at 1 Palestinian man confronting the settlers who were trying to steal Palestinian flags. Israeli settlers also assaulted 2 Palestinians near Burqa, causing hospitalizations. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian family traveling in a car near Duma, spraying pepper spray at 3 Palestinians, including a 2-year-old who received medical assistance. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders against 3 houses and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Kafr Qaddum, Habla, Aida refugee camp, Hebron, and al-Juwaya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians working for the Israeli municipality in the Ramat Eshkol settlement; 1 of the Palestinians was slashed with a knife in the back and the other was beaten and suffered a broken arm. The Israeli settlers had asked the 2 men if they were Arabs before assaulting them. Israeli forces raided Silwan, firing tear gas and stun grenades, causing injuries. 3 were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 3 Palestinian fishermen and damaged 1 boat within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; HA 6/17; HA 6/20; PCHR 6/23; UNOCHA 7/2)

Al Jazeera published an image of the bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin refugee camp on 5/11. Ballistic and forensic experts said that the bullet was 5.56mm, used by Israeli forces, and manufactured in the U.S. (AJ, AP, HA 6/16)

The Catalonian parliament passed a resolution saying Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people. (MEE 6/16; WAFA 6/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 by live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Jayyus, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and confiscating 1 bulldozer. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished an apartment building under construction in Beit Jala. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice and took measurements for a separate punitive demolition in Rumana. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Baytin, al-Mazra‘a ash-Sharqiya, Tell, Tammun, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, and 1 Palestinian was assaulted before being taken to a hospital for treatment during a late-night raid in Isawiya and the Old City. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; AA, PCHR 6/10; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Israeli media speculated if the meeting was part of Israeli and U.S. preparations to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU 6/9; HA 6/10)

Israel announced that Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the Qatar 2022 soccer World Cup, despite Israel and Qatar not having formal relations. Foreign minister Yair Lapid said the development “opens a new door for us to warm ties [with Qatar].” Israel is not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. (MEE, REU 6/9)

The U.S. state department announced that the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the Israeli embassy will change its name to U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and start reporting directly to the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau in the State Department “on substantive matters” instead of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. The diplomatic representative to the PA was also changed from U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to Hady Amr, who was promoted to the state department envoy to Palestinians. The PA has demanded that the Biden administration uphold president Joe Biden’s promises made during his presidential campaign, including to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AX, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 6/9; JP 6/12)

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. house and senate introduced legislation that would require the defense department to submit a strategy for an integrated air and missile defense system for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman within 180 days. The bill, “the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022,” was described as an effort to bolster Israeli ties with countries in the Middle East. The senate version of the bill was introduced by Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK), while the house version was introduced by Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Trone (D-MD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Don Bacon (R-NE). (HA 6/9)

The director general of the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) Rafael Grosso warned that Iran is in the process of removing 27 surveillance cameras from the country’s nuclear sites. The Iranian move comes as the progress in talks for the U.S. to renter the Iran nuclear deal has stalled, and Israel has intensified its assassinations of Iranian military personnel and scientists. Director General Grosso said that Iran would leave some 40 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities. The announcement came 1 day after 30 members of the IAEA board released a joint statement urging Iran to cooperate with the agency. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 6/8; AJ, AP 6/9; AP 6/10)

A study by the organization AirPressure.info found that Israel has violated Lebanese air space 22,000 times in the past 15 years. (GDN, MEE 6/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers re-erected a settlement outpost near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; the settlement outpost was dismantled by Israeli forces on 6/7. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni‘lin, al-Mughayyir, Bayt Rima, Balata refugee camp, Rujeib, Bayt Dajan, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, Fawwar refugee camp, and Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities took measurements for the demolition of a 4-story apartment building in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat within the fishing zone. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli supreme court rejected a petition for a retrial in a case where the Israeli settler group Ateret Cohanim allegedly purchased 3 buildings in the Old City from the Greek Orthodox church, allowing the settler organization to evict the Palestinian tenants. The Greek Orthodox church called the ruling “unfair” and without “any legal logical basis.” The EU voiced concern about the supreme court ruling. (HA, YNET 6/9; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/10; MEMO, WAFA 6/11)

Israel extended its antiquities authority to the West Bank. The Israel Antiquities Authority will replace the Coordinator on Government Activities in the Territories in managing archeological sites in the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

Speaking, via phone link at a conference on the holy sites in Jerusalem, dubbed “Property Documentation and the Historical Status of the Holy al-Aqsa Mosque,” PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that the PA would not accept any changes to the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, saying all Islamic and Christian holy sites are Palestinian. (WAFA, WAFA 6/8; WAFA 6/9)

Israeli media reported that members of a Liberian delegation in Israel headed by minister of state for presidential affairs Nathaniel McGill told Israeli journalists that Liberia will open a trade office in Jerusalem that eventually will become Liberia’s embassy to Israel. The delegation was meeting Israeli officials, including president Isaac Herzog. (ALM 6/9)

Axios reported that last week, Israel refused a proposal for a White House summit with the PA, U.S., Egypt, and Jordan to create a political horizon for ending the occupation. (AX 6/8)

Axios also reported that the White House is sending the newly appointed assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, Barbara Leaf, to Israel and Ramallah for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials. (AX 6/8)

Haaretz reported that the EU commission’s anti-fraud office will not open an investigation into the 6 Palestinian rights organizations Israel deemed terrorist organizations in October 2021, saying that it had not seen sufficient evidence from Israel against the 6 organizations. EU diplomats told Haaretz that the evidence handed to EU countries by Israel was not compelling and did not meet the threshold of proof. (HA 6/8)

In a visit to the Buraq Wall/Western Wall, Bosnia and Herzegovina parliament speaker Dragan Čović told reporters that the Old City is part of Israel. (JP 6/10)

The World Bank approved a grant of $30 million for PA reforms in transparency, inclusion, and green economy and a $7 million grant for social services and online employment oppounities for Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Burin, throwing Molotov cocktails at several homes. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Ya‘bad, causing bruises. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, injuring 2 with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Sharaf, injuring 1 with a baton round and 23 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalama checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Atuf, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, some 70,000 Israeli settlers and racist right-wing Israeli activists marched through the Old City, chanting racist and Islamophobic slogans like “Death to Arabs,” insulting the Prophet Muhammad, and mocking the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during the annual flag march; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the march; 81 were injured by baton rounds and pepper spray, 23 of whom were treated at hospitals. More than 60 were arrested, only 2 of which were Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked several Palestinians and their property in the Old City, including with assault and pepper spray. More than 2,500 Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, raising Israeli flags. Elsewhere, after the flag march, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property, including several vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting 1 Palestinian journalist covering the events for the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of al-Qarara and Gaza City; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA 5/26; ALM, HA, MEE, REU 5/27; ALM, HA, MDW 5/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NPR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 5/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, IN, LAT, MEE 5/30; MEMO 5/31; AP, HA, HA 6/2; UNOCHA 6/4)

While speaking at Elon Moreh during an event celebrating the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the commander of the Samaria brigade Roi Zweig said that “the [Israeli] army and the settlement enterprise are one and the same.” (HA 5/30; MDW 6/3)

The Israeli government told the high court of justice that it is enforcing a ban on Israeli settlers accessing the Homesh settlement outpost. Haaretz reporting said that the Israeli military is not enforcing the ban and allows Israeli settlers to access the outpost regularly. (HA 6/2)

The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. Biden administration had shelved plans to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem and instead is promoting the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr to special envoy to Palestinians. The Palestinian Affairs Unit at the U.S. embassy to Israel will, according to the TOI reporting, begin to report to Hady Amr rather than to the U.S. ambassador to Israel. PA officials have voiced frustration with the U.S. administration for failing to fulfill its promises to Palestine and using the Israeli government coalition’s instability as an excuse. (TOI 5/29; AA 5/30; MEMO 5/31; HA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers from working their land in al-Diyouk al-Tahta and Khirbet Humsa, confiscating 1 tractor in Khirbet Humsa and demolishing 1 fence and 1 storage room in al-Diyouk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 3 poultry sheds in Ya‘bad. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Bireh, Jenin, Halhul, Tulkarm refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession for 1 Palestinian man who, on 5/14, succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli forces at the Haram al-Sharif compound on 4/22; 1 Palestinian man was resuscitated after being shot by Israeli forces using a baton round, some 70 were injured, including 13 that were taken to hospitals, and 20 were arrested. 11 journalists were prevented from covering the event. Israel said 6 police officers were lightly injured by stone throwing. Israeli forces also arrested 1 of the pallbearers who was attacked by Israeli police during the funeral procession for Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/13. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and 3 agricultural structures in Isawiya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; MDW, WAFA 5/17; AJ, MEE, WAFA 5/18; AJ, REU 5/18; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

U.S. congressperson Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a resolution to the U.S. House to recognize the Nakba. The resolution was co-sponsored by Betty McCollum (D-MN), Marie Newman (D-IL), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-MO). (AJ 5/16; MDW, MEMO, WAFA 5/17; AJ, JP 5/18; TOI 5/19)

The Intercept reported that 2 U.S. congresspeople André Carson (D-IN) and Lou Correa (D-CA) were circulating a letter demanding that the FBI investigate the 5/11 killing of Abu Akleh, who was an American citizen, in the West Bank. By 5/19, the letter had received 57 signatures from members of the U.S. House. (INT 5/16; AJ 5/19; HA, MEE, WAFA 5/20; MDW 5/26)

The EU announced a donation of $26 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. (WAFA 5/16)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin refugee camp on 5/13 succumbed to his injuries. An Israeli settlement guard detained 1 Palestinian minor near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also vandalized 50 olive trees in Yasuf. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian man from al-Bireh carrying an axe; Israeli police claimed that a suicide note was found on his person. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a Nakba Day commemoration near al-Bireh, injuring 20, including 7 with live ammunition, 3 with baton rounds, and 6 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians commemorating the Nakba at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for 1 house in as-Samu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian students at Tel Aviv University during a Nakba Day protest, claiming the 3 had assaulted right-wing counter protesters; 2 were released the same day. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; HA, MDW, MEMO, MEMO 5/16; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel reopened the crossings between Gaza and Israel for the 1st time since 5/3. (HA 5/14; MEMO 5/15; PCHR 5/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected 4 petitions against the planned Jerusalem cable car project. The project had been heavily criticized by Palestinians for seeking to deepen the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and by Israelis who believe the cable car would harm the aesthetics of the city. (AP, HA, REU 5/15; MEE 5/16)

The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett instructed his government to examine options of demolishing the family homes of Palestinian citizens of Israel convicted of committing attacks against Israeli Jews and whether Israel can deport their families to Gaza. (JP 5/16)

Berlin police arrested more than 170 pro-Palestine protesters marking Nakba Day. Berlin police had banned all Palestinian events and protests in the days surrounding Nakba Day, citing the potential for anti-Semitic sentiments. 1 of the banned pro-Palestine protests was organized by the Jewish organization Jüdische Stimme. (HRW 5/20; +972 5/21)

Members of the Somalia parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new president. During Mohamud’s previous tenure, he secretly met with then Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in 2016, discussing potential normalization. (TOI 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian vehicle driving near the Homesh settlement outpost, injuring 1 and damaging the car. Thousands of Palestinians partook in a funeral ceremony in Ramallah for Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the ceremony and awarded her the Al-Quds star of honor. Abu Akleh will be buried in East Jerusalem on 5/13. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians in the funeral procession from accompanying her casket through the Qalandia checkpoint from Ramallah to East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also demolished a water collection pond used for irrigation in Marj Na‘aj. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during a late-night raid in Hebron, Rumana, Qabatiya, and Burqin, and 2 at flying checkpoints in Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a house in Bayt Hanina, where friends and family of Abu Akleh were holding a memorial ceremony for her; Israeli forces confiscated Palestinian flags. Israeli police also raided Abu Akleh’s house on 5/11, confiscating Palestinian flags. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. (AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, GDN, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel’s higher planning council approved 4,427 new settlement housing units in the West Bank. 2,791 received final approval, while 1,636 were deposited for public comment before final approval. Among the new housing units are the retroactive legalization of the Mitzpeh Dani and Givat Oz VeGaon settlement outposts and expansion of the settlements of Negohot, Shvut Rachel, Dolev, Betar Ilit, and Kiryat Arba. According to Haaretz, the government’s meeting to approve the settlements was a condition by Yamina MK Nir Orbach to remain in the fragile government coalition. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland condemned the settlement expansions. On 5/13, 15 European countries urged Israel to reverse its decision, including France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. (PCN 5/9; ABC, AJ, AP, GDN, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA 5/12; AJ, ALM, F24, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/13)

Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, saying he will open a representative office in Jerusalem and support Israel in votes at the UN. President Lasso also met with prime minister Naftali Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lapid. (HA 5/12)

The New York Times reported that the FBI stated in a 2018 letter to the Israeli government that it wanted to use NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware “for the collection of data from mobile devices for the prevention and investigation of crimes and terrorism” before purchasing the spyware later the same year. (NYT 5/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor at the Tekoa settlement, claiming that he was armed with a knife. Israeli settlers also set fire to a car parts workshop in Beit Umar, causing around $15,000 worth of damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted some 20 olive trees in al-Twana. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man at the separation barrier near Tulkarm as he attempted to enter Israel. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 4 houses in the Masafer Yatta area and demolished 1 home in al-Twana, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; light injuries were reported. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian journalist covering an Israeli force raid in al-Twana. The journalist was hospitalized for his injuries. Israel said it had arrested 2 Palestinians in Rummana, who Israel suspects killed 3 Israelis in Elad on 5/5. 13 others were arrested during late-night raids in Qarawat Bani Hassan, Balata refugee camp, al-Walaja, Bayt Rima, Bil‘in, ‘Azun, Qatanna, and Hizma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man at the Damascus Gate plaza, saying that the man had stabbed and wounded 1 Israeli police officer. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for 1 2-story apartment building in Silwan. (+972, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/8; HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel said that on 5/9 it would reopen the crossings to the West Bank, allowing Palestinian workers and merchants to enter Israel after closing the crossings on 5/3. An exception was made in Rumana, where Israel said the Elad attackers were from. Crossings between Israel and Gaza remained closed. (HA 5/8; HA 5/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settlement security guard was shot and killed by 2 assailants at the entrance to the Ariel settlement. Israel said it arrested the alleged attackers on 4/30 in Qarawat Bani Hassan and identified them as Palestinians. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ brigade took responsibility for the attack. Israeli settlers razed farmland in al-Farisiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 9 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also placed dirt mounds at the northern entrance to Salfit, blocking access. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Bil‘in and Tulkarm and 1 at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers threw stones and bottles at a bus carrying Palestinians in the French Hill neighborhood. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring 42 with baton rounds and tear gas; 22 were hospitalized for their injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 mosque in Jaffa was vandalized with spray paint depicting the Star of David and the Israeli flag. (AJ, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/29; AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

The head of Bisan Center for Research and Development Ubai Aboudi said Israel had prevented him from traveling to a conference in Mexico via the Allenby bridge. Aboudi, who is a U.S. citizen, said the Israeli officers refused to tell him why they prevented him from traveling abroad. The Bisan Center is 1 of 6 Palestinian rights organizations that was placed on Israel’s terrorism list in October. 1 day later, on 4/30, Israel prevented the director of Addameer, Sahar Francis, from traveling to the same conference from Ben Gurion airport. (MDW 4/29; AA, AP 5/1; TOI 5/2)

Israel charged 2 Palestinians from Umm al-Fahm for having prior knowledge of an attack in Hadera on 3/27, in which 2 were killed by a Palestinian citizen of Israel. (HA 4/29)

The student newspaper at Harvard University, The Harvard Crimson, endorsed the BDS movement in an editorial. (JDF 4/29; MDW, TOI 4/30; HA, MEMO 5/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and wounded 6 others during a raid in Kafr Dan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and 1 with a baton round to his face. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during a raid in Budrus, injuring 1 with live ammunition and arresting 7. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Abwein, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians during a funeral procession in Beita, causing 35 injuries from tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces blocked the entrances to al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also delivered notices that it will seize 264.4 dunams (65 acres) of land in Humsa al-Tahta and Furush Bayt Dajan for military purposes. 33 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nur Shams refugee camp, Kafr Dan, al-Yamun, Tell, Balata, al-Bireh, al-Khader, Beit Umar, Halhul, al-Arroub refugee camp, and Hebron. Palestinians in the Ramallah and Bethlehem districts held a general strike in protest against the killing of several Palestinians by Israeli forces in the past 24 hours. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and al-Tur. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; WAFA, WAFA 4/15; PCHR 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Israeli military announced a curfew for Palestinians in the West Bank between 4 P.M. on 4/15 and 4/17 for the Jewish holiday of Passover. Crossings between Gaza and Israel will close during this period. Israel also announced that the restrictions on Jenin will end with the curfew on 4/17. The wide-ranging punitive restrictions in Jenin were instituted on 4/9. (HA 4/14; HA 4/15)

Haaretz reported that the Israel education ministry is requiring outside administrators of educational programs declare that their presentations do not portray the Israel Independence Day as the Nakba or challenge the notion of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. According to the Haaretz reporting, Adalah filed a challenge to the requirement in an Israeli court on 4/13. (HA 4/14)

Israel said it had successfully tested a laser-based missile defense system. The “Light Shield” is intended to be fully operational years from now, but will be placed near Gaza by the end of 2022 for further testing. (AP, HA 4/14; ALM 4/15)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes on several targets near Damascus, causing damage. (AJ, AP, HA 4/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers prevented an Israeli road company from carrying out work to reopen a road for Palestinians connecting the village of Azzariyeh to Bethlehem. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Husan, saying he had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces; 4 others were injured by live ammunition. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Silwad; 6 others were injured. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus and injured 16 others. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Beita. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus, violently dispersing Palestinian protesters; 2 were injured with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in al-Khader, injuring 1 elderly Palestinian man who was sitting on his balcony with a concussion bomb to his face; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separetly, Israeli forces raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, injuring 3 Palestinians with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 2 with baton rounds. Palestinians threw stones at 1 Israeli settler who entered Husan; no injuries were reported in relation to that incident. 28 Palestinians were arrested, including 26 during late-night raids in Hebron, Kobar, Beit Umar, al-Bireh, Beita, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, ‘Urif, Qabatiya, Kafr Rai, Jaba‘, Jenin, Tubas, and Silwad, and 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Jericho and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Isawiya. (AJ, AP, F24, GDN, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/13; ABC, AJ, HA, MEE, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/18; HA 4/21; UNOCHA 4/23)

Commander of the Samaria Brigade Roi Zweig told his soldiers, in a televised speech, that they had to “restore the honor to this land and the people of Israel,” before the troops entered Nablus to guard the site of Joseph’s Tomb, which is undergoing restoration work after it was vandalized on 4/9. Zweig made many references to the Hebrew Bible and the promises made to the people of Israel in his speech. (HA 4/13; HA 4/14; HA 4/18)

Turkish foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told Israeli journalists in Ankara that Israel must respect “the international law on the Palestinian issue” to normalize ties with Turkey. Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu said that Turkey condemns the recent attacks in Israel and the killing of 1 unarmed Palestinian woman on 4/10. (AX, HA, TOI 4/13)

Qatar donated $1.5 million to UNRWA, earmarked for food assistance programs in Gaza. (MEMO 4/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, leading to a confrontation with students; 2 were injured by baton rounds and 16 suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 residential tent, demolished an agricultural structure, and seized agricultural equipment in Beit Samia. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Shu‘fat. In Israel, Israeli police shot and killed 1 Palestinian man from Hebron who was working at a construction site in Ashkelon after he stabbed a police officer. The Israeli police officer approached the Palestinian man who was working at the construction site without a permit before he lightly wounded the officer. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/12; WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Israeli Civil Administration signed an order declaring 22,000 dunams (5,445 acres) of land in Area C south of Jericho an Israeli nature reserve. The nature reserve, dubbed Nachal Og Nature Reserve, is situated on 6,000 dunams (1,483 acres) of privately-owned Palestinian land. The nature reserve designations means that Palestinians will not be allowed to cultivate the land or have their livestock graze on it, without approval from the Israeli nature reserve officer. (PCN 5/24; HA, WAFA 5/25)

The office of the Israeli attorney general approved connecting Israeli settlement outposts built on Israel-declared state lands in the West Bank to the electrical grid. In the decision, the attorney general’s office also said that Palestinian villages in Area C, not recognized by Israel, should be given equal consideration in being connected to the electrical grid, citing international law of non-discrimination. (HA 4/12; MEMO 4/13)

Representatives from Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden signed a letter to EU enlargement commissioner Olivér Várhelyi of Hungary, urging him to disburse EU aid to the PA. Commissioner Várhelyi has been withholding the aid, saying that the PA needs to reform its schoolbooks to conform with a pro-Israeli narrative. (WAFA 4/12)

In the West Bank, Palestinians shot and injured 2 Israeli settlers near Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Tulkarm. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Idhna, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Burqa, Kafr Qalil, Meithalun, and Tulkarm refugee camp; during the raid in Kafr Qalil, several Palestinian-owned vehicles were seized. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, HA, JDF, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/11; MEMO 4/12; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

Palestinian prisoners held in administrative detention and their lawyers boycotted the Israeli military courts for the 100th day. (AI 4/11; MDW, WAFA 4/17)

Reuters reported that at least 5 EU officials, including EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders, were targeted by Israeli spyware from either the NSO Group or QuaDream. (REU, TOI 4/11)

The World Bank approved a $23.5 million grant to improve sustainable energy in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 4/12)